5 Active Adventures the Whole Family Will Love in Wrightsville Beach

Of the three beaches in the Wilmington area, Wrightsville
Beach is the one best known for its active pursuits. Whether it’s running along
the Loop or catching a wave down at the beach, it won’t take you long to notice
there’s always something happening — and something to do — in Wrightsville Beach. Voted North Carolina’s best
beach, it's is full of friendly locals who are quick to point out
the must-try adventures in the area — and may even join you in the fun.

Yoga on Crystal Pier

Wrightsville Beach is home to two main piers: the north end’s Johnnie Mercer’s Pier and the south end’s Crystal Pier. While both piers are popular with locals and tourists alike, Crystal Pier is the only one that offers morning yoga classes from May through October every Thursday through Sunday. The classes are $10 per person with free parking available in the Oceanic Restaurant parking lot. All you need is a yoga mat (or a beach towel!) to get started.

SUP in Wrightsville Beach

Stand-up paddleboarding has quickly risen as a must-try activity at the beach in recent years, but it’s been a mainstay for beachgoers to Wrightsville Beach for much longer. It’s just one reason why Wrightsville Beach is home to the Carolina Cup, one of the premier stand-up paddleboard races in the world. In fact, the race is considered the unofficial start to the SUP racing season, and it should come as no surprise that Wrightsville Beach plays host to hundreds of racers from across the world in late April as a result. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, you don’t have to be a pro to give SUP a try in Wrightsville Beach. There are several tour operators in the area that offer hourly lessons. Once you feel at ease on the board, go ahead and rent a board for a few hours so you take in the natural beauty of the area.

Feel the rush

There's more than one way to enjoy the sand and surf in Wrightsville Beach. Thanks to regular winds rolling in from the south and southeast at speeds up to 30 miles per hour and relatively shallow waters, Wrightsville Beach is one of the best under-the-radar kitesurfing locations on the East Coast. Its relatively shallow waters toward the southend of the island paired with dynamic winds that help kitesurfers remain along the shoreline create the perfect conditions for rookies and proficient kitesurfers alike. Interested? You can take lessons from professional kitesurfers with the folks at Blowing in the Wind.

Surf like the pros

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to surf, Wrightsville Beach is certainly the place to do it. National Geographic named Wrightsville Beach as one of the world’s best surf towns. While Wrightsville Beach’s popularity with the surfing community was already evident years before, the National Geographic recognition put the beach on the map alongside some of the biggest surf towns in the world. The best time to hit the waves is from August to October, however, hometown surfers are typically out on the water as early as March. For beginners or children, there are plenty of surf schools and camps in the area with trained professionals who can show you the ropes.

Set sail

As you drive over the bridge to Wrightsville Beach, you’ll notice plenty of sailing boats docked in the harbor and marina. You can try your hand at hoisting the sails with Wrightsville Performance Sailing. As you learn the ins and outs of sailing aboard the 26-foot vessel, you’ll be treated to the best views Wrightsville Beach has to offer. If you’d prefer to sit back, relax, and take in the sights, Wrightsville Performance Sailing also offers catered sailing experiences for families and couples (both public and private), too.